Aortic lathyrism and atheroma in the rat by prolonged hyperlipidic diet

Constant, deep, extensive aortic atheroma can be induced in rats that are athero-resistant. Two main factors are involved in this experimentation: (1) Parietal alteration following chronic experimentation with beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN, 8 weeks) and a metabolic factor with hyperlipid diet. Electronmicroscopic examination has shown progressive lesions in the elastic framework and modifications of cells in the media with dedifferentiation into fibromyocytes and also multiply. The changes are responsible for hyperplasia of the intima as well as its thickening and collagenization. They support observations made in man during aortic aging. (2) A metabolic factor with hyperlipidic diet. This diet given at various times during intoxication causes lip deposition in the intima and substantial penetration into the media when the lesions are developing.